Lynn Botsford

Lynn Botsford, 89, passed away on May 10, 2023, in Connecticut, after a long and difficult battle with dementia. She was born Selma Kalsner on May 1, 1934, in Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York, to the late William L. Kalsner and Sadie Feldman. Lynn lived a full and vibrant life, spending her early years in Brooklyn and Manhattan before moving to Queens and eventually settling in Pound Ridge, NY.

Lynn was a devoted wife to record producer and writer, Ward Botsford. She was the mother of two daughters, Diana Dru Botsford and Andrea Botsford Castellano, and mother-in-law to Richard Hopkins and Anthony Castellano. She was also a proud grandmother to Ariana Botsford Cohen, Ashlee Castellano, Anthony Castellano, and Michael Castellano, and great-grandmother to Josephine Irie Cohen.

Lynn had a passion for fashion, music, and art from a young age. She modeled professionally in the late 1940s and early 50s. Upon her marriage, she went on to pursue her interests in the arts and music, working for several galleries in New York City, including the prestigious Marlborough Gallery. Lynn was also a dedicated volunteer at Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts in Katonah, NY, where she spent countless hours supporting the organization’s mission.

Along with her husband, Lynn traveled the world, visiting nearly every continent. From their journeys, Lynn and Ward gifted the NY Metropolitan Museum of Art with an Egyptian funerary figure from the 18th Dynasty. The wooden and resin statue is currently on display in the museum’s Egyptian wing.

Lynn was known for hosting exceptional dinner parties throughout the decades, guests including world-class musicians, actors, authors, and playwrights. She was known for her kindness, generosity, humor, and unwavering love for her family. She was a beloved member of her community and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. In addition to her daughters, grandchildren, and great granddaughter, Lynn is survived by her sister-in-law Jenny Kalsner, nieces Lydia, Pamela, and Louisa Kalsner, as well as Lisa Garner, Cindy Parker and her children Leah, Michael, and Melinda, nephew Andrew Garner, as well as grandnephews/nieces, Dylan, Chloe, Noah, Tess, Olivia, Jonah, Max and Elliot.

A private family service will be held in her memory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org/).

Rest in peace, Lynn. You will be forever remembered, loved, and most of all, missed.